A Reaching Hand supports women within their communities; we believe that by working together, we can create the most effective and sustainable outcome. These women have a deep understanding of the needs of their community. They give up their comfort and convenience for the sake of others. Opening up their homes and giving up their privacy. They make great sacrifices for others seven days a week, speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves. They are a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable, showing them that a better life is possible.

WORDS DIRECTLY FROM MA VIOLET - FOUNDER

“Sinothando” is a Xhosa word meaning WE HAVE LOVE

I started this center because of a tiny baby abandoned by her mother on the streets. I picked up this baby and took her home. I have not seen her mother since that day, and I raised her as one of my children. She is now doing her 3rd year in university. This motivated me to think of building a center and safe house for babies and children like the one I picked up on the street. In February 2009, I sacrificed my home to make a home for these children. We have taken in children from 0 - 14 years. Some were brought to us by police officers and social workers. These children come from different situations; some rape victims, some have TB, and others are HIV positive.”

From Monday - Friday, her daughter Lolo runs a daycare center from an extension built onto the side of their house. Lolo is a qualified Educare Principal committed to registering the Early Child Development Center for financial assistance from the government. It has been a challenging year, but with the help of A Reaching Hand, much progress has been made, and registration is not far off. They still need a few additions to complete the process. YAY, they are almost there!

Sinothando was the first to receive solar power from our donors for their hot water geezer. Bathing in warm water was an absolute privilege before, as electricity is as expensive as in many first-world countries.

Umingo Daycare Center

Phumeza - We call her superwoman! She has invested her life to save the children of her community. With funds from A Reaching Hand, Phumeza could build a brick house. Like with Sinothando Daycare, we assist with the building structure requirements so they can have the daycare registered for financial assistance from the government. We provide a monthly delivery of food staples, seasonal seeds, and nutrients to help maintain their healthy garden.

WORDS DIRECTLY FROM PHUMEZA - PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER

"As I was walking around in my community, I saw children playing on dirty dumps and looking for food to eat. I thought this was so unsafe for them. That's when I got the idea to start a daycare center so the children can be in a safe space during the day. The parents were happy, and I started with four children in 2008. At that time, it was a shack, and the government said they didn't allow daycare centers to be in a shack. It was very difficult for me with no money, and I had so many challenges. It was at that time I met A Reaching Hand. It was like a big relief because A Reaching Hand took that burden away and made a big change. 

Even today, we get everything from A Reaching Hand. In 2018 A Reaching Hand built us a food garden. Now I have up to 80 children and could never have done this on my own"

Telly Tubbies Daycare Centre

Leonie is one of the unsung heroes of our world. She opened her home to children facing dire needs during the day when parents left them alone while looking for work. These are predominantly the children of horse and cart people, generating an income by collecting from households and selling the waste to waste dealers. The daycare center is located in a high-crime area where children are at risk of being caught in the crossfire of gang violence.

IN LEONIE’S WORDS - PRINCIPAL & FOUNDER

“I had no choice but to open my home when I rescued the children from the street. They were caught in the middle of gunshots while the gangs were fighting. It happens every day in our community. More and more parents brought their children and today we have over 30 children. It was very difficult for me because the parents have no jobs and cannot pay me. Today, thanks to A Reaching Hand, we have food, mattresses, blankets, clothing and so much more. A Reaching Hand even bought us a new safe classroom and takes care of uniforms and stationery when they go to big school. It is very difficult where we live and people are suffering too much.”

A Reaching Hand fundraised for a bulletproof classroom alternative and had a shipping container converted into a classroom. 

We supply the educator with cognitive and educational materials throughout the year, including groceries, clothing, blankets, carpets, and heaters.